Table Of Contents

Summary

Experience classic Texas Hill Country in a 1940's home turned traditional bed and breakfast with innkeepers on-site and a spectacular personal attention to detail.

Das Garten Haus Bed and Breakfast is only one half of a mile from downtown Fredericksburg, Texas and the innkeepers, who double as concierges, are happy to set up Texas Wine Tours, make dinner reservations or provide maps with directions to any other nearby attractions.

The Pacific War Museum is also just one half mile from the bed and breakfast and comprises the most comprehensive collection pertaining to the Pacific War. For the best views of Texas Hill Country, take a twenty-minute drive north of Fredericksburg to Enchanted Rock State Park and do some rock climbing. Just fifteen minutes outside of town you will find LBJ State Park where you can tour the ranch and the Texas White House. Don't miss out on Texas style wine country at Texas Hills Vineyards in the picturesque Pedernales River Valley.

Each morning your stay begins with a formal breakfast served in the dining room at 8:30AM. The suites at Das Garten Haus Bed and Breakfast are equipped with small kitchenettes that include refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. There are also many personal touches to compliment your stay such as fresh flowers, homemade cookies, and popcorn.

Introduction

Welcome to Das Garten Haus!

Das Garten Haus was built by a retired rancher in the late 1940's as a private home. When Lynn and Kevin MacWithey moved to Fredericksburg in 1994 with the intention of operating a B&B, they found this beautiful home with three private suites already part of the original construction, and knew it would be a perfect home for them. With minimal changes, they were able to open their inn in the fall of 1994.

Unique to the Texas Hill Country, and Fredericksburg in particular, Das Garten Haus is a true, traditional Bed and Breakfast only 1/2 mile from downtown. Lynn and Kevin live on site in the main residence and operate the inn. Lynn serves a full breakfast every morning in the dining room, utilizing fresh herbs and vegetables from their garden.

After nearly 20 years in business, Lynn and Kevin are also excellent concierges of Fredericksburg and the Texas Hill Country, present to answer your questions, make dinner reservations, provide maps, directions, short-cuts, and parking tips. They look forward to welcoming you to their Garden House. "Our years in the B&B business have brought us the finest of customers, and we strive to be the finest of hosts."

Insider's Info

Travelers are always looking for memorable and relaxing experiences. Let’s discover more through the words of our innkeepers. Many thanks to Lynn MacWithey for sharing her own secrets with BBOnline.com!

Why do most travelers stay at your inn?

Travelers stay with us because we are a traditional B&B with an on-site owner serving a full breakfast, which is rare in Fredericksburg. We also have great Tripadvisor reviews.

What are you best known for? What makes your inn unique? What do you love most about your inn?

We are best known for our wonderful breakfast and our good knowledge of the area. We have been innkeepers for 19 years.

If someone has never been to your city, what is the #1 reason to come visit?

People come to visit the Pacific War Museum & Enchanted Rock State Park.

What’s the best compliment you have ever received about the inn?

People say that staying here is “just like visiting old friends".

What’s the best kept secret about the area?

Many people don't know about LBJ State Park. This is a busy town so finding a parking place can be difficult. We can suggest some good places to park for our guests, which is sometimes a "best kept secret".

If a traveler is staying at your inn for 4 nights, what should he/she do in the area?

Guests staying for more than a couple of nights should visit the Pacific War Museum which is a 2 day ticket, LBJ state Park, Enchanted Rock State Park, and take a wine tour.

Is there anything within walking distance of your inn?

We are right across the street from the Nest Restaurant, ½ mile from the Pacific War Museum, and also to downtown shopping.

We provide brochures and information in the room for our guests about things to do in the area, and we also have a lot of information on our web site. If they want to take a wine tour, we use texas-wine-tours.com

Breakfast Example 2

Das Garten Haus Amenities

Das Garten Haus has three lovely guests suites, all with private entrances and baths, as well as personal kitchenettes and sitting areas. Each suite opens onto the New Orleans style courtyard, created by Kevin, horticulturist and innkeeper. Guests are free to enjoy the lovely gardens, changing landscapes, and seasonal purple martins and other birds drawn to the yard.

All suites are equipped with signature toiletries, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards, cable television, alarm clocks, and wireless internet. Coffee makers, microwaves, and refrigerators are provided in all the kitchenettes. Literature about Fredericksburg and the surrounding Hill Country area is available in the rooms, along with maps, dining details, and live entertainment schedules. Anything you can't find, Lynn and Kevin will be happy to help you with. As well-established innkeepers, they are knowledgeable guides of the Hill Country and its many attractions.

Special event baskets or flowers are available with an advance request.

Complementary Amenities

Complimentary amenities in suites include small kitchenettes with refrigerators, microwaves and coffee makers - as well as the following:

Fresh flowers

Signature blended Das Garten Haus coffee

Assortment of herbal teas

Hot chocolate

Homemade Cookies

Popcorn

Orange juice

Soft drinks

Bottled water

Wireless internet

The Inn & Gardens

When Lynn and Kevin MacWithey moved to Fredericksburg in 1994 with the intention of operating a B&B, they found this beautiful home with three private suites already part of the original construction, and knew it would be a perfect home for them. With minimal changes, they were able to open their inn in the fall of 1994.

Unique to Fredericksburg, Das Garten Haus is a true, traditional Bed and Breakfast only one half mile from downtown. Lynn and Kevin live on site in the main residence and operate the inn. Lynn serves a full breakfast every morning in the dining room of this beautiful home, utilizing fresh herbs and vegetables from their garden, as seasons permit. Served on silver and china, and accompanied by their specially blended coffee, you simply cannot afford to miss starting your day with her wonderful specialties.

The Area

So much to do! Das Garten Haus is only one half mile from downtown - an easy and healthy walk if you are not planning on many purchases! Although we are a busy tourist area, we have some pretty good tips about parking. There is shopping for many blocks - from antiques and home accessories, to wine tasting shops and lovely art! There are restaurants and biergartens, and tourists frequently walk around with a locally brewed beer.

Fredericksburg Dining

While Fredericksburg has many fine restaurants, these are a few that we recommend and that we frequent. Many restaurants do not require reservations, but the top ones do.

The Nest

830-990-8383 (Thursday through Monday, dinner only) Reservations required. Seafood, steak, chicken - hearty portions, salad included - full bar. Very good food and right across the street from Das Garten Haus. www.thenestrestaurant.com

830-997-1585 (Dinner Tuesday through Sunday) Reservations recommended on weekends. Continental and Sushi menu in modern setting – interesting dining room. Full bar. On San Antonio between Lincoln and Llano. Expensive for dinner but a great, reasonable bar menu. www.august-es.com

830- 990-5734 (Dinner Tuesday through Saturday). Large menu of well prepared food, using many local purveyors.. Full bar with many Hill Country wines featured. On Hwy. 16 South, just across from the Park and Fair Grounds. www.cabernetgrill.com

Crossroads Saloon and Steakhouse

830-992-3288 (Wed.-Sat) Very good steakhouse with great live entertainment and dancing on weekends. Steak special on Wednesday and Thursday nights. West end of Main St. www.crossroads-texas.com

No reservations taken. Authentic German food on north side of Main St., between Washington and Lincoln. Wine and beer – many German beers. They accept American Express, Discover, cash and checks – no Mastercard or Visa. www.derlindenbaum.com

Friedhelms Bavarian Inn

(Tues.-Sun.) No reservations taken. Good German and American food. Healthy portions, fairly laid back service. Large restaurant with great looking bar. On West Main at 290/87 split.

Pasta Bella

830-990-9778 (Mon.-Sat.) Italian food ½ block south of Main on Llano. Beer and wine. Very good food and service – one of our favorite casual places.

Mamacitas

(Mon.-Sun.) Very good Mexican food – great Margaritas. Inexpensive with great service. 506 E. Main. We eat here every week.

Hondo's

830-997-1633 - (Wed. – Sun.) – Casual setting for great burgers, sandwiches, and live entertainment on weekends. Full bar – no reservations. West end of Main St on North Side between Orange and Milam.

830-997-5904 (Every day for lunch.) American Bistro with fresh choices and changing menu Very good and moderately priced. 902 South Adams St.

Bejas

830-997-5226 (Mon. – Sat. for lunch and dinner, closed Sunday after 3 PM.) Cantina with Southwest Mexican and other selections – indoor and nice outdoor seating. Casual and reasonable. South side of Main between Llano and Lincoln.

Otto’s

830-307-3336 – Open daily for dinner from 4-11 PM. Small bistro – full bar, excellent dishes, including some German, with a modern twist. Indoor and outdoor seating. On Austin St. across from the National Museum of the Pacific War.

Silver Creek

Every day for lunch and dinner. Indoor and outdoor seating with music frequently in the evenings outside. All kinds of food. On the north side of Main, between Lincoln and Llano.

Hike & Bike in the Texas Hill Country

The Fredericksburg area is becoming more well known for its hiking and biking opportunities, as well as other outdoor activities... Check out Cycle Texas for more information on biking in Fredericksburg and the surrounding Texas Hill Country. Also check out Bike Mart about biking in general.

If you would like to rent a bicycle, we have Hill Country Bicycle Works here on Main St. As bicycling is very popular here, please make your reservations with them when you plan your trip, and they will take great care of you.

Wine - Visit nearby vineyards in the Fredericksburg, Texas area.

Make your destination the "Wine Country of Texas" located deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country! You're welcome anytime, but there are five special Trail Events planned throughout the year to enhance your Hill Country Winery experience. All the trails are self-guided driving tours to be enjoyed at your leisure. Also be sure to visit Texas Hills Vineyards, located in the gentle hills of the picturesque Pedernales River Valley in the Texas Hill Country near Johnson City.

For a Texas wine tour, Texas style! Let someone else do the driving while you enjoy touring our Fredericksburg Texas wineries! Go to Texas Wine Tours for more information, or Hill Country Wine Tours. They even pick up here at Das Garten Haus!

Area Activities

For those of you who want to explore the Texas Hill Country nestled on the seat of a horse we can recommend a couple of venues for you. Quiet Hill Ranch in Doss, just 20 minutes from Fredericksburg, offers scenic trails with one of the finest wranglers in Texas. Please allow 24 hours advance notice for a reservation.

We have fine museums that you should include on your trip. The National Museum of the Pacific War is world-class, and world-renowned. Chester Nimitz, a Fredericksburg native, ran the Pacific campaign during World War II, and this museum is the most comprehensive museum of the Pacific war. It includes the George Bush Gallery, and a Historical outdoor area that has exhibits and special reenactments of combat. The Pioneer Museum Complex is our own museum of German heritage. Eleven structures spread out over this 3 acre site. Supported by the Gillespsie County Historical Society it is an ever-improving legacy to Fredericksburg.

Enchanted Rock State Park is just a 20 minute drive north of Fredericksburg. The massive dome of pink granite is an impressive, but do-able climb for those who want to get the best view of the Hill Country there is! If you are a serious rock climber, there is Turkey Peak next to it, which often has the more ambitious climbers scaling its walls. If you are bringing children to Fredericksburg, this is very enjoyable. . LBJ National Historical Park is situated just outside Stonewall, 15 minutes from Fredericksburg. Experience the beauty and serenity of "LBJ Country" with a park tour of the ranch and Texas White House. Don't miss the Sauer-Beckmann Farm on the property.

Other Attractions

Wildseed Farms - the largest working wildflower farm in the nation, with season flower meadows and great shopping - and a butterfly house!

Rockbox Theater - our very own live theater with immensely talented performers doing ever-changing rock and roll reviews. Four performances on weekends.

Fredericksburg Trade Days - monthly market of vendors just outside Fredericksburg features local vendors of old and new treasures.

Luckenbach, Texas - home to some famous music - dance hall, saloon, and general store with musicians often picking and grinning. Bikers often stop here for some refreshment.

Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area - from May to September, see 3 million Mexican free-tail bats emerge from this abandoned railroad tunnel.

Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course and Live Oak Wilderness Trail - great golf course and acres of natural landscape. One mile walking trail along Live Oak Creek - great birding!

Art Galleries - all up and down Main Street, featuring many locally talented artists. Home of G. Harvey.

Peach Season - Gillespie County is the largest producer of peaches in Texas. Starting the end of May, and through early August, there are peach stands in every direction. Come pick your own! Enjoy homemade jams and jellies, ice cream, pies and cobblers.

Fredericksburg Links

Cornerstone Properties - If you are here in the Hill Country looking for that vacation or retirement home, we highly recommend you use these realtors - Ron and Debbie Broaddus.

Visit the Hill Country and decide to move here? Visit Hill Country Landscapes for your landscaping needs.

Directions

Fredericksburg is located 75 miles from both San Antonio and Austin in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Our elevation is 1760 ft. Our weather is generally pleasant and sunny most of the year with cooler nights and drier days.

From San Antonio

Take I-10 West toward El Paso

Exit at the Hwy 87 North exit to Fredericksburg/San Angelo (Exit 523)

Go right on 87 toward Fredericksburg

You will go about 22 miles and then come in to town

After you cross the second light, at Highway St., 87 becomes S. Washington St

We are the sixth house on the left side - number 604 S. Washington - directly across from The Nest Restaurant

From Austin

Take Hwy. 290 West toward Fredericksburg - through Johnson City, then Stonewall, then Fredericksburg

Hwy. 290 becomes Main St.

Turn left at Hwy. 87 South (also called Washington St.) and go 1/2 mile

We are on the right side - first driveway after Hale St., just across from The Nest Restaurant

If you hit the light at Highway Street, you've gone too far

From the West

Hwy 290 and Hwy 87 will merge as you enter Fredericksburg

You will go through the town on what is now Main Street

Turn right on Washington St. The Pacific War Museum will be on your left

Go 1/2 mile - we are the first driveway after Hale St.

From Dallas/Ft. Worth

There are several ways to come, but if you take I35 South, I would suggest exiting at Hwy 29 West in Georgetown

Hwy. 29 is a good road that goes to Burnet

In Burnet, take Hwy 281 South to Johnson City

Then pick up Hwy 290 West to Fredericksburg and follow the in town directions above

Alternate

Hwy 16 South is very picturesque but only two lanes

It becomes Llano St in Fredericksburg and once you hit Main St., turn left

Go two blocks to Washington St and turn right - follow as above

From Houston

Take 290 if you are on the North side, and follow to Paige

Pick up Hwy 21 South to Bastrop, through the Piney Woods

Then pick up 290 to Austin again, in Bastrop. This way you avoid getting on I 35

Hwy. 290 will merge with 71 and take you across Austin and straight to Fredericksburg.

If you are on the west side of Houston, take I-10 West to Columbus where you pick up Hwy. 71 to Austin